Forgotten Spaceman: Shedding Light on Afghanistan's Cosmic Pioneer
Abdul Ahad Momand made history in 1988 as the first Afghan cosmonaut to travel to space, where he spoke Pashto, becoming the fourth language ever spoken beyond Earth. Despite this remarkable achievement, Momand's space journey was overshadowed by the turmoil of civil war in Afghanistan, leading to the displacement of millions of Afghans.
London-based Afghan filmmaker and actor Elham Ehsas is shedding light on Momand's space adventure in the context of Afghanistan's history through his short film, Forgotten Spaceman. The film will have its world premiere on August 9 at the Locarno Film Festival and will later be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival's Short Cuts program. Forgotten Spaceman blends documentary and essayistic elements to explore themes of diaspora, colonialism, and the silenced history of a nation.
Directed and written by Ehsas, Forgotten Spaceman is executive produced by Catherine Tschaepe and Jack Thomas-O’Brien of Sixteen Films. Ehsas was inspired to create the film after discovering Momand's story and realizing how it had been overlooked in the narrative of Afghanistan's war-torn past. The film aims to challenge the dominant narrative of destruction and colonialism by highlighting the forgotten achievements of individuals like Momand.
The trailer for Forgotten Spaceman is now available, offering a glimpse into the film's exploration of diaspora, home, and the stars. The Locarno website describes the film as a journey into the world of exile and the cosmos, inviting viewers to experience Momand's space odyssey and the cultural significance of his mission. As the countdown begins for the film's release, audiences are encouraged to immerse themselves in the story of Forgotten Spaceman and discover the untold history of Afghanistan's cosmic pioneer. Get ready to embark on a cinematic voyage like no other.